Last updated: August 26, 2026
A -0.1% price-gap threshold is not automatically right or wrong for every Pionex arbitrage order. In the legacy spot-futures flow, the setting controls when the bot can open its matched spot and futures positions. A stricter threshold can improve the entry basis but may leave the order waiting.
What the price gap means
The relevant gap compares the futures price with the related spot or index price. A positive gap means futures trade above spot or index; a negative gap means they trade below it. The gap changes continuously and is not an interest rate or guaranteed return.
How the threshold changes execution
| Setting relative to live gap | Likely behavior | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold already met | The bot can begin opening positions | Faster execution at the available basis |
| Higher than live gap | The bot waits for the gap to widen | Potentially better entry, but uncertain delay |
| Negative threshold | Allows entry at a negative gap if reached | May start with less favorable basis |
Price gap is only one part of the result
Spot-futures arbitrage also depends on funding payments, the persistence of the hedge, trading fees, slippage and the gap when positions are closed. Funding can change and a market-neutral design still carries execution and futures risks.
Use the current product screen
Pionex’s current Arbitrage offering and legacy aggressive bot can show different controls. If a price-gap field is present, read its current definition and order preview. Do not rely on an old default without checking the live workflow.
See Pionex’s current Arbitrage overview, the spot-futures explanation and the waiting-order guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is -0.1% a good Pionex arbitrage price-gap setting?
There is no universal safe value. It is an execution threshold whose effect depends on the current basis, funding rate, liquidity, fees and the exact arbitrage product shown in your account.
What does the price gap measure?
In the legacy spot-futures arbitrage flow, it measures the difference between the futures price and the related spot or index price.
Why can a higher opening threshold delay the bot?
The bot waits until the live gap reaches the selected threshold. If the market never reaches it, opening or adding investment can remain pending.
Is a positive gap always profitable?
No. The gap can change after entry, funding rates can change sign, and fees, slippage, deleveraging or liquidation safeguards can affect the result.
Should I use an old default shown in an article?
No. Use the current field description and preview in your account because Pionex products and interfaces may have changed since legacy guidance was published.
What should I record before creating the arbitrage?
Record the current spot and futures prices, gap, funding rate, settlement schedule, investment, leverage if any, estimated costs and exit behavior.
What if my bot is still waiting?
Compare the selected threshold with the live gap and check the order status. Do not repeatedly recreate the order; contact Pionex Support if the status or balances appear inconsistent.
Arbitrage reduces directional exposure but does not remove funding, basis, liquidity, execution or futures risk.
